As a leader, your business decisions will be judged, your point of view challenged and your expertise tested. The broader your area of responsibility, the more exposed you become. It’s natural to want to protect and defend, but your credibility can suffer.

Here are a couple of tips:

Be confident and know your worth. No need to shy away from a prickly question if you believe in yourself. Bring it on!

Take a deep breath. If someone’s remark makes your blood boil, buy yourself some time. Instead of lashing out, invite them to share more of their perspective. Disarm your critic.

Stay humble. People will try to poke at your last nerve—sometimes for sport. Humility can be great armor.

A cool head can win hearts and minds.